Pakistan: One year on

A year after the devastating floods in Pakistan, families are trying to rebuild their lives, homes and livelihoods. Credit: OCHA/Pakistan

A year ago, Pakistan was hit by the worst floods in its history. Nearly 20 million people were affected as flood waters swept across the country.

Valerie Amos traveled to Pakistan in the first few weeks of the crisis, just as she took up her new role as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.

“The disaster changed the lives of millions in a matter of days – causing loss of life and destroying homes,” underlined USG Amos. “For those who survived, everyday life became a challenge”.

In close cooperation with the Government, the humanitarian community provided emergency aid, including food, water, shelter and health care. “Today, we continue to support families, helping them to rebuild their lives, their homes, their livelihoods,” said Ms. Amos, as the anniversary was marked. “Given the scale of the disaster, the response by the humanitarian community is to be commended,” she added.

The scale of the disaster galvanized everyone: the Government of Pakistan, the Pakistani military, the aid community, civil society, individuals and countries, who provided emergency funding to the largest appeal in the history of the United Nations.

“But it’s the people of Pakistan who showed remarkable resilience, courage, and strength in overcoming a crisis of such immense magnitude, emphasized USG Amos. “We will, of course, continue to support them.”